The Early Years

This area of the permanent exhibit covers the lives of Bill and Hillary Rodham Clinton prior to the
Clinton Presidency. Bill Clinton was born William Jefferson Blythe III on August 19, 1946, a
few months after his father was killed in a car accident.

The first exhibit case is devoted to his
childhood in Hope and Hot Springs. The second case covers Bill Clinton’s education, from his years at Hot Springs High
School to his college years at Georgetown and Oxford Universities. The third case highlights Bill
Clinton’s political career in Arkansas, moving from his unsuccessful run for Congress in 1974
to his years as Attorney General and Governor. The final case in this area focuses on Hillary
Rodham Clinton, from her childhood in Illinois, to her education at Wellesley College and Yale,
to her time as First Lady of Arkansas.

The four exhibit cases tell the story of the Clintons
using photos, memorabilia from the Clintons’ childhoods and school days, letters, newspaper
clippings, and political campaign memorabilia.